Gene Kelly inspires short anime from Japan, captures hearts around the world

If you’re feeling under the weather or just wanting to relax after a hard day, there are two things that can certainly pick you up and remind you of the bright side of life again: a Hollywood musical from the golden era, and a good animated cartoon from Japan. It’s amazing how warm, animated tones and catchy tunes can capture your senses and hug you like an old friend just when you need it the most.

Now, a Japanese animator has melded the two feel-good genres with a short, two and a half-minute animation that pays homage to a Gene Kelly tap dance routine from the 1952 american musical Singin’ in the Rain. It’s proving to be so cute that it’s attracting attention from around the world. We take a look at the video and see why this cute girl is gathering so many admirers.

▼ The film starts off with a lonely, forlorn-looking girl.

▼ The title reads: Gisoku no Moses, or Peg-leg Moses. Moses Supposes, the tap routine from Singin’ in the Rain, begins to play.

▼ Our lonely girl encounters a pair of tap shoes that look like they’re in need of a wearer.

▼ And suddenly the two are lonely no more!

▼ The sweet, ghostly girl launches into an adorable tap routine that would do Gene Kelly proud.

To get a full dose of awww, take a look at the video below. Be careful, though – you’re bound to find yourself bopping along to the catchy beat for the rest of the day!